—Cites Resident Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie for Conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026
IPNEWS:The supreme court of Liberia, is ordered a paused on the much-talked-about Capitol Arson Trial as of Monday, March 2, 2026.
This immediate halt was triggered by an emergency petition from the defense team, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. The defense filed a petition to stop Trial Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie from disbanding the jury in the case. They argued that dismissing the jury at this stage was “irregular” and could compromise the trial’s fairness.
Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba issued an immediate stay order, effectively freezing all court activities related to the case until a formal review is conducted.
Meanwhile, Judge Willie has been summoned to appear before the Supreme Court for a conference on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
The case involves allegations that a deliberate fire was set at the Capitol Building in December 2024 to destroy legislative documents. Prominent figures, including former Speaker Koffa and other lawmakers, are defendants in the matter.
Just prior to this pause, state prosecutors had also requested a change of venue from Montserrado County, citing concerns over intense media publicity and potential jury interference.
State prosecutors formally requested a change of venue for the Capitol Building arson trial on February 27, 2026, seeking to move the proceedings out of Montserrado County.
The Ministry of Justice filed the motion before Resident Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie
at Criminal Court “A,” asking to transfer the case to a nearby county.
Prosecutors argued that a fair trial is currently impossible in Montserrado County due to:
Overwhelming coverage and public commentary surrounding the December 2024 fire.
Additionally, prosecutors raised Concerns that the local jury pool has been compromised by public pressure and alleged attempts to influence jurors.
The request follows the recent disbandment of the jury due to alleged misconduct and interference.
High-profile figures, including former House Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, face charges of arson, attempted murder, criminal mischief, and conspiracy.
As of March 2, 2026, the Supreme Court of Liberia has halted all proceedings in the case. Associate Justice
Justice Yussif D. Kaba, issued a stay order following a petition from the defendants (a writ of certiorari) challenging Judge Willie’s decision to disband the jury.
As the public awaits Judge Willie appearance before the Supreme Court conference on March 5, 2026, to review the procedural handling of the case.
Arguments on the prosecution’s change of venue motion were originally expected for Tuesday, March 3 but are effectively frozen until the Supreme Court review is completed.
